Puck Prose
Fansided

NHL Hockey: Breakdown/Analysis of the Metropolitan Division

By Aly Dhanani

May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shake hands after game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 4-3 in overtime to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shake hands after game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 4-3 in overtime to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 8
Next
NHL Hockey: Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) and left wing Rick Nash (61) celebrate a goal by Stephan against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Hockey: Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) and left wing Rick Nash (61) celebrate a goal by Stephan against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Puck Prose’s NHL Hockey Preview: Breaking down the Metropolitan Division with Andy Graziano of SportsNet New York

Welcome to the first of four articles in Puck Prose’s 2016-17 NHL hockey divisional preview! In this article, I break down the Metropolitan Division along with Andy Graziano of SportsNet New York. Andy is a columnist for Islanders Point Blank, part of the SNNY network. Now, let’s continue to the teams!

Apr 7, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters (C) looks on from behind the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at PNC Arena. The Canadiens won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters (C) looks on from behind the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at PNC Arena. The Canadiens won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Hurricanes

Andy’s Thoughts: Carolina, perhaps quietly to some, finished 35-31-16 last year. They turn some of those overtime losses into wins, they’re a lot closer to the playoff picture. Cam Ward will have to live up to his 2 year/$6.6 million contract extension and will be the key to their fortunes this season. They also added Lee Stempniak and Bryan Bickell for veteran leadership and acquired dynamic Teuvo Teravainen on the cheap from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Aly’s Thoughts: This year, I believe the Hurricanes will take a step back from their 18th overall finish in 2015-16. Though their young defense, led by Justin Faulk, Jacob Slavin, Noah Hanifin and Brett Pesce, thrived last year, I believe some of the young defenders on the Hurricanes (pointedly Pesce and Slavin) will hit a speed bump in production. Other than Faulk, the Canes lack experience on the blue line.

Up front, however, is a different story. Jeff Skinner is looking to solidify himself as a 30-goal-scorer, Teuvo Teravainen is poised for a breakout season and Jordan Staal is starting to look like his old self. On the other end of the spectrum, we are still waiting for a breakout campaign from former fifth overall pick Elias Lindholm, and Eddie Lack backing up Cam Ward isn’t a playoff worthy goaltending duo.

Home/Metropolitan